The Compliment

Most of my Wal-Mart experiences have left me or my children with psychological scars, however this past trip was little different.

I drug the kids there, because I had run out of deoderant on the hottest day of the year. With threatening temperatures of 105, it wasn't the time to risk a bare armpit.

As I was nearing the checkout, I ran into a friend and stopped to chat. 

That's when a really incredible thing happened. A woman, who I did not know, (perhaps in her late 60s, early 70s), came up behind me, tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You look really nice." Then she walked away.

I was completely stunned. I think I muttered thank-you, but I can't be sure. It was a drive-by compliment.

I made my way through the check-out and then loaded my car while my head circulated a million question.

"Was she making fun of me?"

"Was she crazy?"

"Maybe she was senile?"

"Maybe she was blind?"

As all of these questions and doubts swirled about, I realized that perhaps I was the crazy one? Was it that hard for me to accept a compliment? No, it wasn't the compliment. It was the kindness that had me puzzled. 

Such kindness from an absolute stranger really just baffled me. It just seemed unbelievable that someone would go out of their way to make me feel good about myself. I found it remarkable - especially in Wal-Mart - a place where all decency is readily abananded. Can you imagine if everyone in Wal-Mart paid just one other person a compliment? It would be such a different place. 

So, well, kudos to the kind woman who managed to bring her humanity through the doors of Wal-Mart. 

Lady, you really got it going on. 

P.S.

I later told Justin about my encounter.

ME: Some woman told me I looked nice at Wal-Mart.

JUSTIN: Did she have you confused with someone else?

ME: Nice. Don't you think it would be great if everyone in Wal-Mart paid just one other person a compliment? I think I should start a movement of sorts...

JUSTIN: HELL NO! I think that's the worst thing I've ever heard. I don't want anyone in Wal-Mart to talk to me. Ever.